How to ... work with ClipX!

ClipX is a precise and easy-to-integrate signal conditioner ideally suited for industrial applications. The following technical articles describe in detail how to operate ClipX under different scenarios.

Communication & Fieldbus Integration

Siemens PLC and PROFINET with ClipX

The ClipX signal conditioner supports a huge variety of fieldbus interfaces. This Tech Note gives you an example of how the ClipX communicates with a Siemens PLC via PROFINET. Instructions are given to create a fresh project with the Siemens TIA Portal. There is also a brief explanation of how ClipX measurement values can be monitored in the TIA Portal Software. Basic knowledge of PROFINET networks and HBM amplifiers is recommended.

Siemens PLC and PROFIBUS with ClipX

This Tech Note is meant to be a guideline for the use of a ClipX signal conditioner in a PROFIBUS network. For this example, a Simatic 300 Station is used as PLC. There is also an explanation of how ClipX measurement values can be monitored in the Simatic Manager software. Basic knowledge of PROFIBUS network and HBM amplifiers is recommended. The basic setup is shown in the figure below.

ClipX as OPC-UA Server

Beckhoff PLC and EtherCAT with ClipX

This document is meant to be a guideline for the use of a ClipX signal conditioner in an EtherCAT network. For this example, a Beckhoff PLC is used. There is also an explanation of how ClipX measurement values can be monitored in the Beckhoff TwinCAT software. Basic knowledge of EtherCAT networks and HBM amplifiers is recommended. The basic setup is shown in the figure below.

Schneider PLC and Ethernet/IP with ClipX

This Tech Note provides you with a guideline for the use of a ClipX signal conditioner in an Ethernet/IP network. For this example a Schneider SoMachine Station is used as PLC. There is also an explanation of how ClipX measurement values can be monitored in the SoMachine software. Basic knowledge of Ethernet/IP network and HBM amplifiers is recommended. The basic setup is shown in the figure below.

Scaling Methods

Indirect Force Measurement with ClipX

This Tech Note gives you an example of indirect force measurement using ClipX. In this example the press model consists of two strain sensors (SLB) mounted to the left and right leg of a metal frame.
Additionally, there is a force sensor (U3) under the punch of the press in the middle. The strain sensors are scaled via the force sensor as a reference. So, in fact the pressing force is determined by measuring the strain in the force bypass (indirect force measurement).

Adjustment Assistant in ClipX

This is an instruction for adjusting a sensor with the ClipX. The adjustment assistant is especially useful if a sensor is not calibrated, or assembled in a construction, for example in force bypass. There are two approaches available to adjust sensors using the ClipX: A reference channel from the ClipX can be used, or a reference value can be entered manually. Furthermore, the measurement can be carried out statically or dynamically. The result in each case is a linear two-point scaling.

MCS Matrix Compensation with ClipX

HBM's custom-made sensors measure force [N] and torque [Nm] in any degree of freedom and are called multicomponent sensors (MCS) or multi-axis transducers.
Together with the sensor a so called compensation matrix is delivered, which defines the cross-talk or cross influence between the components. This Tech Note gives you an example on how to calculate with such a matrix.

Wireless Operation

Mobile Configuration via WLAN with ClipX

This Tech Note provides you with an example where a limit switch is set up and monitored using a mobile device. The ClipX Web-GUI has a responsive design, which means that, depending on the resolution of your device, it is adjusted in a way to serve the best usability. Therefore, it is quite easy to set up the device with a mobile phone or tablet via WLAN.

Calculation Channels

Calculating Resulting Force with ClipX

This application is about localizing a force and calculating its result value on a plane surface. Therefore, three force sensors are mounted on the bottom of a circular plate. The raw signals from the sensors are further processed by three ClipX signal conditioners. Those communicate with each other through the ClipX bus technology. The devices are set up with the ClipX Web-GUI.

Automatic Mean with ClipX

This Tech Note provides you with an instruction for how to carry out an automatic mean measurement. The calculation filters an easily usable signal from a severely fluctuating or noisy signal by using a specific segment of the signal curve to compute a mean value. This enables you to reduce the impact of overlaid interference. You can also define a range in which the signal is averaged and used as the zero value for further measurements.

Mechanical Work with ClipX

This Tech Note is a guide to measuring mechanical work with the ClipX. This requires two ClipX modules; one to measure the force, the other to measure the displacement. The calculation determines the (mechanical) work over a certain period of time from the two variables force and displacement (or torque/angle of rotation). The force must act along the path.

Peak Value Monitoring of a Periodic Process with ClipX

Tolerance Window in ClipX

This is an instruction for creating a tolerance window in the ClipX that can be used for a component or performance test for example. Several of those tolerance-window analyses can be used at the same time. In principle, it is possible to define the limits of the tolerance window as well as the start and stop condition (static or flexible) by using variable signals, a PLC or a PC software. Those parameters can be changed at runtime, whereby a “dynamic” measurement window is made.

PID Controller in ClipX

This Tech Note gives you an instruction for creating a PID controller with the ClipX. In this particular example, a simple first-order RC circuit is controlled. To demonstrate a repetitive process a periodic signal is generated by the internal signal generator of the PMX. This signal is exemplary for any process and can be exchanged by other signals (e.g. from sensors).

Event Counter in ClipX

In this example, the exceeding of a force value is to be counted and displayed. Once the count 5 is reached, this should be signaled on a digital output. Then the operator can set the count back to 0 again. The following example shows how to set up an event counter in ClipX.